Cable guardrails installed on dangerous stretch of I-195 in Westport

WESTPORT, Mass. (WLNE) – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has installed cable guardrails on I-195 in Westport to help stop crossover crashes.

“Any safety measures are better than no measures at all,” said Denise Weaver of Westport.

The stretch of highway is known for its crashes, especially ones that end with cars crossing over into oncoming traffic.

That’s what caught the eye of Mass DOT. Spokesperson Jacquelyn Goddard told ABC6 that barriers are only installed in areas where there’s not enough space for drivers to regain control of their vehicle should it go off a roadway.

According to federal standards, the section of I-195 in Westport is wide enough. “However, due to a history of crossover crashes, MassDOT has installed cable guardrail in some sections of the roadway,” Goddard said in an email.

“The traffic doesn’t slow down! I think it’s worth being there. If it saves one life, it’s worth it,” said Barbara Hickey of Westport.

Construction is ongoing for the cable guardrail to be installed in three separate spots on I-195 in Westport. Mass DOT said there is already cable guardrail in medians located in Dartmouth, Fairhaven, and New Bedford.

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